Method for casting reinforcement alignment features into concrete wall blocks

ABSTRACT

What is provided is a method for casting reinforcement alignment feature into concrete wall blocks and precast concrete wall blocks configured for assembly into a wall. Reinforcement alignment features, such as horizontal reinforcement grooves and/or vertical reinforcement grooves, are precast simultaneously with panels, ribs, and other components of the concrete wall blocks in the forms in which the concrete wall blocks are cast. As a result, reinforcing members, such as rebar and welded wire mesh, may be positioned, either horizontally or vertically, in desired and appropriate locations on the concrete wall blocks. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the convenience and ease of wall construction, while greatly reducing the amount of labor that is needed. In addition, the constructed walls have increased stability, strength, and water resistance.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a Non-Provisional patent application andclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/369,394, titled “METHOD AND FORMS FOR CASTINGREINFORCEMENT ALIGNMENT FEATURES INTO CONCRETE WALL BLOCKS,” filed Aug.1, 2016. The entire disclosure of the aforementioned patent applicationis incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein.

FIELD

This patent application relates to a method for casting reinforcementalignment feature into concrete wall blocks and precast concrete wallblocks configured for assembly into a wall.

BACKGROUND

It is common in masonry block construction of cast center cores orcast-in-place cantilever walls to use steel reinforcing members embeddedinside the structures. These members are typically assembled in thefield with a variety of components, such as reinforcement bar (rebar)and welded wire mesh. These components are often secured to each otherusing plastic clips or lengths of wire twisted around the intersectionof the components.

The design of wall construction typically defines the type, size, andplacement of the reinforcing members. Typically, the correct location ofthe reinforcing members is specifically determined in order to maximizethe stabilizing effects of the reinforcing members and their components.The loading conditions on the wall affect the location of reinforcingmembers. Improper placement of the reinforcing members compromise thestrength and stability of structures, such as walls, and lead tostructural deficiencies and/or inadequate performance of the walls. Avariety of positioners and aligners exist to maintain the components atthe desired position within the block core, while grout, concrete, orother hardening fill material is poured into the block core. Examples ofsuch positioners and aligners include “rebar chair,” “rebar wheels,” andbrackets for positioning the rebar.

Some commonly used reinforcement alignment techniques for creatingstructurally stable, cast concrete walls use an insulated concrete form(ICF). In these techniques, polystyrene panels are secured to each otherusing plastic ribbed connectors, which include grooves or holes forpositioning and aligning reinforcing members. Other reinforcementalignment techniques use a rebar chair to retain rebar and to supportconcrete reinforcement materials and other precast structures. However,the reinforcement alignment features disclosed above are separatelyintegrated (not precast) to the concrete core and to the formwork. As aresult, the form and reinforcement alignment features must beconstructed at the actual job/construction site, which greatly increasesthe amount of time and labor spent constructing a wall. In addition,there is a greater likelihood for placing the reinforcement membersand/or their components in incorrect or undesired positions whenconstructing such a wall.

Consequently, there is a need to precast reinforcement alignmentfeatures on concrete wall blocks using the same forms that cast theconcrete wall blocks, while maintaining the strength, stability, anddurability walls constructed from the concrete wall blocks.

SUMMARY

What is provided is a method for casting reinforcement alignment featureinto concrete wall blocks and precast concrete wall blocks configuredfor assembly into a wall. Reinforcement alignment features, such ashorizontal reinforcement grooves and/or vertical reinforcement grooves,are precast simultaneously with panels, ribs, and other components ofthe concrete wall blocks in the forms in which the concrete wall blocksare cast. As a result, reinforcing members, such as rebar and weldedwire mesh, may be positioned, either horizontally or vertically, indesired and appropriate locations on the concrete wall blocks.Consequently, there is a significant increase in the convenience andease of wall construction, while greatly reducing the amount of laborthat is needed. In addition, the constructed walls have increasedstability, strength, and water resistance.

In exemplary embodiments, the concrete wall blocks have heights of about18 inches or about 36 inches and widths of about 24 inches or about 36inches. The concrete wall blocks may be manufactured using a steel formand incorporated into the formation of freestanding and retaining blocksused in the construction of a freestanding or retaining wall,respectively. In exemplary embodiments, the concrete wall blocks aretrimmed prior to the placement of the concrete wall blocks on a wall inorder to accommodate various design features, such as a slope/angle onthe wall. The ability to cut upper panels on the concrete wall blocksallows for the addition of coping caps to match any desired grade on thewall.

In exemplary embodiments, the precast concrete block configured forassembly into a wall comprises a first inner wall and a second innerwall; a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first sidepanel is substantially parallel to the second side panel and wherein thefirst side panel and/or the second side panel has a textured surface forimparting a natural stone appearance; at least one connecting rib,wherein the at least one connecting rib extends laterally from the firstinner wall to the second inner wall to connect the first side panel withthe second side panel and to form a hollow core configured to accept afilling material; and at least one reinforcement alignment feature castinto the first inner wall, the second inner wall, and/or the at leastone connecting rib, wherein the at least one reinforcement alignmentfeature is configured to securely position at least one reinforcingmember on the precast concrete block in a substantially horizontaland/or vertical orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method for casting at least onereinforcement alignment feature into a concrete block, wherein thereinforcement alignment feature is configured to securely position atleast one reinforcing member on the concrete block, comprises providinga form into which the concrete block is cast; casting the concrete blockin the form, wherein the concrete block is simultaneously cast with theat least one reinforcement alignment feature, a first side panel, asecond side panel, and at least one connecting rib; separating the castconcrete block from the form; and transporting the cast concrete blockto an installation site for assembly into a wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary concrete wall block havingreinforcement grooves and a height of about 18 inches;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall block ofFIG. 1, shown with exemplary reinforcing members positioned withinreinforcement grooves;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall blockof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall block ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary concrete wall block havingreinforcement grooves and a height of about 36 inches;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall blockof FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall block ofFIG. 5 having trimmed side panels at the top of the concrete wall block;

FIG. 8 is side perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall block ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall block ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exemplary concrete wall block ofFIG. 5, shown with exemplary reinforcing members positioned withinreinforcement grooves; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary wall comprising aplurality of exemplary concrete wall blocks of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples asdefined in the claimed subject matter, and as an example of how to makeand use the examples described herein. However, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that claimed subject matter is not intended tobe limited to such specific details, and may even be practiced withoutrequiring such specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and ingredients have not been described in detail so as notto obscure the invention defined by the claimed subject matter.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplaryconcrete wall block 100 having reinforcement grooves and a height ofabout 18 inches. The concrete wall block 100 may be fabricated fromconcrete, cement, reinforcing steel, or other functionally equivalentreinforcing materials. The concrete wall block 100 comprises a hollowcore 192 in the center of the concrete wall block 100. The concrete wallblock 100 comprises two substantially parallel side panels 110, 120 thatare connected by two ribs 130, 140. The side panels 110, 120 may haveany desired shape and texture. In some examples, one or both of the sidepanels 110, 120 may be shaped and textured in a variety of ways, such asto imitate limestone blocks, sandstone blocks, slate, or other naturalstone. The concrete wall block 100 also has a top, a bottom, a front,and a back.

The concrete wall block 100 may be manufactured using a steel form andincorporated into the formation of freestanding and retaining blocksused in the construction of a freestanding or retaining wall,respectively. The concrete wall block 100 may be cast in forms of knowndesign. For example, the concrete wall block 100 may be cast in a formsimilar to the form disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,702 to Manthei etal., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. In some examples,side grooves may be formed in the concrete wall block 100 for handlingthe concrete wall block 100 with a forklift, as shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,835,343 to Manthei et al. In some examples, the concretewall block 100 is 18 inches high, 46 inches long, and 24 inches wide. Inother examples, the concrete wall block 100 may be 36 inches wide orwider to allow for the building of taller walls.

The concrete wall block 100 also comprises at least one reinforcementalignment feature. The reinforcement alignment feature is cast in theconcrete wall block 100 using the same form that casts the concrete wallblock 100. As a result, the reinforcement alignment feature is precastsimultaneously with the form that casts the concrete wall block 100 andat the same precast facility, such as a precast plant. The reinforcementalignment feature is cast into the concrete wall block 100 so thatreinforcing members, such as rebar and welded wire mesh, may bepositioned, in a substantially horizontal or a substantially verticalorientation, in desired and appropriate locations on the concrete wallblock 100. In some examples, the reinforcement alignment features arehorizontal reinforcement grooves 193 and vertical reinforcement grooves194.

As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal reinforcement grooves 193 andvertical reinforcement grooves 194 are positioned on the concrete wallblock 100 such that the vertically-positioned reinforcing members maylock against the concrete wall block 100 and the horizontally-positionedreinforcing members. This type of positioning may eliminate the need totie or clip the reinforcing members together while constructing thewall.

In some examples, the horizontal reinforcement grooves 193 arepositioned on each of the two ribs 130, 140 in a parallel orientation tothe side panels 110, 120. The vertical reinforcement grooves 194 may bepositioned along the full-length of the concrete wall block 100 to makeit easier for the concrete wall block 100 to better match existing formsand concrete blocks. The vertical reinforcement grooves 194 arepositioned along in the inner walls of the concrete wall block 100 toform the side boundaries of the hollow core 192 such that the minimumthickness of poured grout, concrete, or other hardening fill materialaround the vertical reinforcement grooves 194 meets relevant local,state, and/or federal requirements/code pertaining to the distancesbetween the edge of the concrete and the reinforcing members.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplaryconcrete wall block 100 of FIG. 1, shown with exemplary reinforcingmembers 210 positioned within the horizontal reinforcement grooves 193and the vertical reinforcement grooves 194. In some examples, thereinforcing members 210 are rebar. The reinforcing members 210 may bereadily positioned within the horizontal reinforcement grooves 193 andvertical reinforcement grooves 194 that were cast into the concrete wallblock 100, as predetermined by the designer. The reinforcing members 210may simply be installed within the horizontal reinforcement grooves 193and vertical reinforcement grooves 194 without any additional assemblyat the actual job site. As such, the reinforcing members 210 may beeasily positioned in their desired and proper locations within theconcrete wall block 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of theexemplary concrete wall block 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, eachhorizontal reinforcement groove 193 is spaced between about 3 and 4inches apart on the ribs 130, 140. In some examples, each horizontalreinforcement groove 193 is spaced about 3.25 inches apart on the ribs130, 140. In yet other examples, each horizontal reinforcement groove193 may be spaced at less than 3 inches or greater than 4 inches aparton the ribs 130, 140. In some examples, each horizontal reinforcementgroove 193 has a thickness of about ⅝ of an inch, though, otherthicknesses are possible in this invention. In some examples, eachhorizontal reinforcement groove 193 forms an angle between about 45 and60 degrees with respect to the ribs 130, 140. In yet other examples,each horizontal reinforcement groove 193 may form an angle having lessthan 45 degrees and greater than 60 degrees with respect to the ribs130, 140.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of theexemplary concrete wall block 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, eachvertical reinforcement groove 194 has a length of between about 1 and1.5 inches. In some examples, each vertical reinforcement groove 194 hasa length of about 1 and ⅜ inches, though, other lengths are possible inthis invention. In some examples, each vertical reinforcement groove 194has a thickness of about 1 inch, though, other thicknesses are possiblein this invention. In some examples, each vertical reinforcement groove194 forms an angle between about 45 and 60 degrees with respect to theside panels 110, 120. In other examples, each vertical reinforcementgroove 194 may form an angle having other degrees with respect to theside panels 110, 120.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplaryconcrete wall block 500 having reinforcement grooves and a height ofabout 36 inches. The concrete wall block 500 may be fabricated fromconcrete, cement, reinforcing steel, or other functionally equivalentreinforcing materials. The concrete wall block 500 comprises a hollowcore 510 in the center of the concrete wall block 500. The concrete wallblock 500 comprises two substantially parallel side panels 520, 530 thatare connected by two ribs 540, 550. The side panels 520, 530 may haveany desired shape and texture. In some examples, one or both of the sidepanels 520, 530 may be shaped and textured in a variety of ways, such asto imitate limestone blocks, sandstone blocks, slate, or other naturalstone. The concrete wall block 500 also has a top, a bottom, a front,and a back.

In some embodiments, the side panels 520, 530 are cut prior to theplacement of the concrete wall block 500 on a wall in order toaccommodate various design features, such as a slope/angle on the wallwith a reinforced hollow core 510 in the center. In some examples, eachof the side panels 520, 530 are cut at the top of the concrete wallblock 500, as shown in FIG. 7. As a result, the top of the wallconstructed using the concrete wall block 500 has a different anglerelative to the bottom of the wall. By cutting the side panels 520, 530at the top of the concrete wall block 500, a coping cap may be added tothe concrete wall block 500 in order to match any desired grade on awall. A coping cap comprises at least one coping block attachable alongthe top of the wall. The pouring of materials to match the grade of thewall provides a smooth, level surface for coping that can beneficiallyeliminate the expense and time commitment of on-site coping projects. Inother embodiments, only one of the side panels 520, 530 is cut prior tothe placement of the concrete wall block 500 on a wall.

The side panels 520, 530 may also be cut at other locations, besides thetop of the concrete wall block 500, such as in the middle of the sidepanels 520, 530 or at the bottom of the concrete wall block 500.

The concrete wall block 500 may be manufactured using a steel form andincorporated into the formation of freestanding and retaining blocksused in the construction of a freestanding or retaining wall,respectively. In some examples, side grooves may be formed in theconcrete wall block 500 for handling the concrete wall block 500 with aforklift, as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,343 to Mantheiet al. In some examples, the concrete wall block 500 is 36 inches high,46 inches long, and 24 inches wide. In other examples, the concrete wallblock 500 may be manufactured from other forms having differentdimensions, such as, but not limited to a height from about 6 inches toabout 45 inches and a length of about 10 inches to about 120 inches.

The concrete wall block 500 also comprises at least one alignmentfeature. The alignment feature is cast in the concrete wall block 500using the same form that casts the concrete wall block 500. As a result,the alignment feature is precast simultaneously with the form that caststhe concrete wall block 500 and at the same precast facility, such as aprecast plant. The alignment feature is cast into the concrete wallblock 500 so that reinforcing members, such as rebar and welded wiremesh, may be positioned, either horizontally or vertically, in desiredand appropriate locations on the concrete wall block 500. In someexamples, the alignment features are horizontal reinforcement grooves595 and vertical reinforcement grooves 596.

As shown in FIG. 5, the horizontal reinforcement grooves 595 andvertical reinforcement grooves 596 are positioned on the concrete wallblock 500 such that the vertically-positioned reinforcing members maylock against the concrete wall block 500 and the horizontally-positionedreinforcing members. This type of positioning may eliminate the need totie or clip the reinforcing members together while constructing thewall.

In some examples, the horizontal reinforcement grooves 595 arepositioned on each of the two ribs 540, 550 in a parallel orientation tothe side panels 520, 530. The vertical reinforcement grooves 596 may bepositioned along the full-length of the concrete wall block 500 to makeit easier for the concrete wall block 500 to match existing forms andconcrete blocks. The vertical reinforcement grooves 596 are positionedalong in the inner walls of the concrete wall block 500 to form the sideboundaries of the hollow core 510 such that the minimum thickness ofpoured grout, concrete, or other hardening fill material around thevertical reinforcement grooves 596 meets relevant local, state, and/orfederal requirements/code pertaining to the distances between the edgeof the concrete and the reinforcing members.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of theexemplary concrete wall block 500 of FIG. 5. In some examples, eachhorizontal reinforcement groove 595 is spaced between about 3 and 4inches apart on the ribs 540, 550. In some examples, each horizontalreinforcement groove 595 is spaced about 3.25 inches apart on the ribs540, 550. In yet other examples, each horizontal reinforcement groove595 may be spaced at less than 3 inches or greater than 4 inches aparton the ribs 540, 550. In some examples, each horizontal reinforcementgroove 595 has a thickness of about ⅝ of an inch, though, otherthicknesses are possible in this invention. In some examples, eachhorizontal reinforcement groove 595 forms an angle between about 45 and60 degrees with respect to the ribs 540, 550. In other examples, eachhorizontal reinforcement groove 595 may form an angle less than 45degrees and greater than 60 degrees with respect to the ribs 540, 550.

Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of theexemplary concrete wall block 500 of FIG. 5. In some examples, eachvertical reinforcement groove 596 has a length of about 1 and ⅜ inches,though, other lengths are possible in this invention. In some examples,each vertical reinforcement groove 596 has a thickness of about 1 inch,though, other thicknesses are possible in this invention. In someexamples, each vertical reinforcement groove 596 forms an angle of about60 degrees with respect to the side panels 520, 530. In other examples,each vertical reinforcement groove 596 may form an angle having otherdegrees with respect to the side panels 520, 530.

Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the exemplaryconcrete wall block 500 of FIG. 5, shown with exemplary reinforcingmembers positioned within the horizontal reinforcement grooves 595 andthe vertical reinforcement grooves 596. Vertical reinforcing members1000 are positioned within the vertical reinforcement grooves 596 andhorizontal reinforcing members 1010, such as rebar and welded wire mesh,are positioned within the horizontal reinforcement grooves 595. Thevertical reinforcement grooves 596 and the horizontal reinforcementgrooves 595 are precast into the concrete wall block 500. Since thevertical reinforcing members 1000 and the horizontal reinforcing members1010 may be installed within the vertical reinforcement grooves 596 andthe horizontal reinforcement grooves 595, respectively, without anyadditional assembly at the actual job site, the vertical reinforcingmembers 1000 and the horizontal reinforcing members 1010 may be easilypositioned in their desired and proper locations within the concretewall block 500.

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an exemplarywall 1100 comprising a plurality of exemplary concrete wall blocks 100of FIG. 1. The concrete wall blocks 100 may be configured to accommodatemounting structures for fences, railings, site lighting, utilities, andfunctionally equivalent structures. Vertical reinforcing members 1000and horizontal reinforcing members 1010 are positioned in desired andappropriate locations on the concrete wall blocks of the wall 1100. Bypositioning the vertical reinforcing members 1000 and horizontalreinforcing members 1010 in these locations, concrete, grout, or otherhardening material may be more easily poured into the hollow cores ofthe concrete wall blocks 100 in order to provide increase stability,strength, and water resistance to the wall 1100.

There are significant benefits to working with a concrete block that isprecast with panels, ribs, vertical reinforcement grooves, andhorizontal reinforcement grooves. Specifically, it is easier, less-timeconsuming, and more efficient for operators to handle the concrete blockfor assembly into a wall, without sacrificing the strength, stability,or durability of the constructed wall.

The forms described herein may be modified with the addition of moldinserts. The mold inserts may be positioned in the forms in which theblock is cast and they form a hollow core in the center of the concretewall blocks. The mold inserts are typically withdrawn from the concretewall blocks after the concrete has cured. In order to form desiredshapes of the hollow core, a plurality of mold inserts may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method for casting at least onereinforcement alignment feature into a concrete block, wherein thereinforcement alignment feature is configured to securely position atleast one reinforcing member on the concrete block, comprises providinga form into which the concrete block is cast; casting the concrete blockin the form, wherein the concrete block is simultaneously cast with theat least one reinforcement alignment feature, a first side panel, asecond side panel, and at least one connecting rib; separating the castconcrete block from the form; and transporting the cast concrete blockto an installation site for assembly into a wall.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method for casting at least onereinforcement alignment feature into a concrete block, wherein thereinforcement alignment feature is configured to securely position atleast one reinforcing member on the concrete block, comprises providinga form into which the concrete block is cast; positioning in the form aplurality of mold inserts for forming a hollow core in the center of theconcrete block; casting the concrete block in the form, wherein theconcrete block is simultaneously cast with the at least onereinforcement alignment feature, a first side panel, a second sidepanel, and at least one connecting rib; separating the cast concreteblock from the form and the mold inserts; and transporting the castconcrete block to an installation site for assembly into a wall.

It will, of course, be understood that, although particular exampleshave just been described, the claimed subject matter is not limited inscope to a particular example or limitation. Likewise, an example may beimplemented in any combination of compositions of matter, apparatuses,methods or products made by a process, for example.

In the preceding description, various aspects of claimed subject matterhave been described. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers,percentages, components, ingredients and/or configurations were setforth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter.However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practicedwithout the specific details. In other instances, features that would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill were omitted or simplified so as notto obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features and exampleshave been illustrated or described herein, many modifications,substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled inthe art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims areintended to cover all such modifications or changes as fall within thetrue spirit of claimed subject matter.

1. A precast concrete block configured for assembly into a wall, theprecast concrete block comprising: a first inner wall and a second innerwall; a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first sidepanel is substantially parallel to the second side panel and wherein thefirst side panel and/or the second side panel has a textured surface forimparting a natural stone appearance; at least one connecting rib,wherein the at least one connecting rib extends laterally from the firstinner wall to the second inner wall to connect the first side panel withthe second side panel and to form a hollow core configured to accept afilling material; and at least one reinforcement alignment feature castinto the first inner wall, the second inner wall, and/or the at leastone connecting rib, wherein the at least one reinforcement alignmentfeature is configured to securely position at least one reinforcingmember on the precast concrete block in a substantially horizontaland/or vertical orientation.
 2. The precast concrete block of claim 1,wherein the first inner wall, the second inner wall, the first sidepanel, the second side panel, the at least one connecting rib, and theat least one reinforcement alignment feature are simultaneously precastin a form adapted for making the concrete block.
 3. The precast concreteblock of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and/or the second sidepanel is cut prior to placement of the precast concrete block on thewall.
 4. The precast concrete block of claim 3, wherein the wallcomprises a top and a bottom and the top of the wall has a differentangle than the bottom of the wall.
 5. The precast concrete block ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcement alignment feature is aplurality of horizontal reinforcement grooves and/or a plurality ofvertical reinforcement grooves.
 6. The precast concrete block of claim5, wherein the horizontal reinforcement grooves are parallel to each ofthe first side panel and the second side panel when cast into the atleast one connecting rib.
 7. The precast concrete block of claim 5,wherein the vertical reinforcement grooves are cast into the first innerwall and/or the second inner wall to form side boundaries of the hollowcore.
 8. The precast concrete block of claim 6, wherein each of thehorizontal reinforcement grooves forms an angle between about 45 and 60degrees with respect to the at least one connecting rib.
 9. The precastconcrete block of claim 8, wherein each of the horizontal reinforcementgrooves is spaced between about 3 and 4 inches apart on the at least oneconnecting rib.
 10. The precast concrete block of claim 7, wherein eachof the vertical reinforcement grooves forms an angle between about 45and 60 degrees with respect to the first side panel and the second sidepanel.
 11. The precast concrete block of claim 10, wherein each of thevertical reinforcement grooves has a length of between about 1 and 1.5inches.
 12. The precast concrete block of claim 1, wherein the at leastone reinforcing member is rebar or wire mesh.
 13. A method for castingat least one reinforcement alignment feature into a concrete block,wherein the reinforcement alignment feature is configured to securelyposition at least one reinforcing member on the concrete block, themethod comprising: (i) providing a form into which the concrete block iscast; (ii) casting the concrete block in the form, wherein the concreteblock is simultaneously cast with the at least one reinforcementalignment feature, a first side panel, a second side panel, and at leastone connecting rib; separating the cast concrete block from the form;and (iii) transporting the cast concrete block to an installation sitefor assembly into a wall.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the atleast one reinforcement alignment feature is a plurality of horizontalreinforcement grooves and/or a plurality of vertical reinforcementgrooves.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the horizontalreinforcement grooves forms an angle between about 45 and 60 degreeswith respect to the at least one connecting rib.
 16. The method of claim14, wherein each of the vertical reinforcement grooves forms an anglebetween about 45 and 60 degrees with respect to the first side panel andthe second side panel.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the at leastone reinforcing member is rebar or wire mesh.
 18. The method of claim13, the method further comprising, prior to step (ii), positioning inthe form a plurality of mold inserts for forming a hollow core in thecenter of the concrete block.